There is no disputing that women have and continue to make a significant contribution to the socio-economic developmental sphere in countries, globally …
From the fields of commerce, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, education, politics, family life and domestic affairs, sports, arts and entertainment to the rural farms and other fields of endeavour – the female gender has made an invaluable and enormous input into public, social and civil society…
Monday March 8th was International Women’s Day, an event with a month-long schedule of activities in recognition of ‘woman power’ and that endearing and caring soul that reaches out to people and touches life in so many ways, we highlight the views of local females who play prominent roles in various developmental aspect within the community.
In this publication we feature the views of – Delia Dolor, a media consultant and talk show host:
Q. How best do you feel that women can contribute in this transition towards development of the arts as a medium for socio-economic development and growth in the country?
Dolor: As mothers and educators, women can make huge contributions towards the development of the arts as a medium for socio-economic development and growth, worldwide. If they believe in principles and use it actively to bring up their children, families, communities and workplaces; as they do when teaching their loved ones to be proud of themselves and to have respect for others.
We all have strengths and talents which, when understood and its value respected by others, can become a livelihood that pays economically, and therefore allows each individual to live a life of prosperity. I am disappointed when I hear of companies, especially, wanting to pay artists less for the valuable work they have produced which has been researched and carried out even more so than some other professions who charge high hourly rates!
To bring my thoughts closer to home, Saint Lucia’s Nobel Laureate, Sir William Arthur Lewis (Economics 1979) who was the James Madison Professor of Political Economy at Princeton University said: “Collective judgement of new ideas is so often wrong that it is arguable that progress depends on individuals being able to back their own judgement despite collective disapproval.”
…and to put my thoughts with Sir Arthur’s quote into perspective…
Individual efforts by strong women like Vincentian Elma Francois, who founded the Negro Welfare Cultural and Social Association (NWCSA), (she began as a domestic worker) and other strong Caribbean women ancestors, who have always brought progress by ‘fighting’…
We are now in the Millennium, and women, through their role as being the constant educator, can lead society to come together and value the arts for not only it’s beauty and historical contexts but as an appreciation of originality and tremendous skill.
Have a thoughtful International Women’s Month everyone!
Meanwhile, on the local front government departments have endorsed Saint Lucia’s celebration of this unique and worthwhile occasion.
Consequently, the Ministry of Commerce, International Trade, Investment, Enterprise Development and Consumer Affairs aka “the Ministry”, as part of its Love Saint Lucia Campaign, celebrates the success of women who contribute to the growth and development of Saint Lucia, by wishing them a Happy International Women’s Day.
Ministry of Commerce, International Trade, Investment, Enterprise Development and Consumer Affairs “the Ministry”, as part of its Love Saint Lucia Campaign, celebrates the success of women who contribute to the growth and development of Saint Lucia, by wishing them a Happy International Women’s Day.
According to ministry officials, the primary aim of the Love Saint Lucia Campaign is to improve consumer awareness and increase domestic market share of local manufacturers and service providers.
This month, the Ministry takes this opportunity to highlight Women in the Construction Sector.
According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), “The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the construction sector, which is sensitive to economic cycles. Yet, on the upside, construction holds much potential to stimulate recovery, thanks to its potential to create jobs; and in turn, recovery measures can support the sector’s transformation towards sustainability and digitalization.”
Over the last few years, the local construction sector employed almost 7000 persons annually and approximately 3 percent (3%) were females. Clearly a male dominated sector with significant job potential.
The Ministry is pleased to salute all women, particularly Women in Construction.
The Ministry wishes to celebrate the success of three women who own businesses in the construction sector for over 10 years: Mrs. Debra Tobierre of True Value Building and Hardware Supplies; Ms. Tracy Carrington of T&R Realty; and Ms. Nicole John of NJ House Painting.
The ministry statement adds: “We congratulate these women, for their sterling contribution to the construction sector, as we celebrate International Women’s Day 2021.”